CO Warns On Home Break-ins

By Miriam Rosenberg Contributing Editor

By Miriam RosenbergContributing Editor

Captain Walter Salowski surprises Doris Jacobs with a certificate of retirement from the commissioner of the NYPD. Jacobs worked 16 years as a crossing guard in Far Rockaway. She began working two years by Redfern and then 14 years by P.S. 197. “I got to know a lot of the kids,” said Jacobs, who retired in 2003. Gian Jones, president of the 101 Precinct Community Council looks on. Photos by Miriam Rosenberg

There has been a downturn in major crimes in Far Rockaway’s 101 Precinct.

That was the good news that Captain Walter Salowski, the commanding officer of the 101 Precinct, delivered to the community at the 101 Precinct Community Council meeting on May 18.

Sgt. John McGrorty takes notes as Captain Walter Salowski listens to the concerns of area residents.
“By the end of the week, there had been a 11 to 12 percent decrease in major crimes,” said Salowski.

While major crimes are down, there are some problems Salowski did want to make Far Rockaway residents aware of.

Salowski reported that there had been some home invasions in the area. Speaking about the late night incidents, he said that victims were followed home. He advised residents to “lock their doors and look out for your neighbors. If you see something suspicious, call us.”

Agnes Abraham, the community outreach liaison for the Department of Housing and Preservation and Development, gives a brief overview about fair housing in New York City.
Salowski reminded residents that fighting crime and keeping up the quality of life in the 101 Precinct is what the he and his officers are there for.

“We’re here to respond to the your needs,” Salowski said. “Keep us in the loop.”

One way to keep the precinct in the loop is to use the 311 number that is tied into the precinct. The number is for quality of life and non-emergency problems.

Salowski responds to a problem about the annual increase in noise that comes with warm weather and open windows.
Salowski also said that the precinct is due to get approximately 20 more officers in July. In addition, more bike police are scheduled to be deployed on Caffrey and Reed’s Lane.

Once again this month, residents were reminded that driving and talking on the cell phone are illegal, as well as dangerous.

Driving westbound into the glare of the sun during the hours of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. can be especially hazardous. The advice from the members of the 101 Precinct – don’t use the cell phone while driving and wear seatbelts. The police also warned they will be doing speed enforcement on Bay 32nd turning on to Norton.